Fact Check: Thimerosal's safety has been supported by extensive data over the last 25 years.

Fact Check: "Thimerosal's safety has been supported by extensive data over the last 25 years."

What We Know

Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative that has been used in multi-dose vials of vaccines and other medicines for decades. According to the CDC, extensive data over the past 25 years indicate that thimerosal in vaccines is safe, with no evidence of harm from the low doses used, aside from minor reactions such as redness and swelling at the injection site. The CDC states that studies have consistently shown no link between thimerosal and autism, a claim supported by multiple well-conducted studies, including a 2010 CDC study that found no increased risk of autism associated with thimerosal exposure in prenatal and infant populations (CDC).

Additionally, the FDA has reviewed a robust body of peer-reviewed scientific studies that further support the safety of thimerosal-containing vaccines. These studies have consistently concluded that thimerosal does not contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism (FDA).

Analysis

The claim that thimerosal's safety has been supported by extensive data is well-founded based on the available research. The CDC and FDA are credible sources, as they are authoritative public health organizations that base their recommendations on comprehensive reviews of scientific literature. For instance, the CDC's assertion that thimerosal does not pose a risk of autism is backed by numerous studies, including a significant review by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2004, which found no association between thimerosal and autism (CDC).

Moreover, a review published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information also supports the conclusion that thimerosal-containing vaccines do not lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. The reliability of these sources is high, as they are based on peer-reviewed research and extensive data collection over many years.

However, it is important to note that thimerosal was removed from most childhood vaccines in the U.S. in 2001 as a precautionary measure, despite the lack of evidence for harm. This decision was made in response to public concern rather than scientific evidence of risk (CDC).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that thimerosal's safety has been supported by extensive data over the last 25 years is accurate. Numerous studies conducted by reputable organizations such as the CDC and FDA have consistently shown that thimerosal in vaccines is safe and does not cause harm, including no association with autism or neurodevelopmental disorders. The extensive body of research validating thimerosal's safety supports this claim.

Sources

1. Thimerosal and Vaccines | Vaccine Safety | CDC
2. Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines and Neurodevelopmental ...
3. Thimerosal as a Vaccine Preservative
4. Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines and Autism: A Review ...
5. Thimerosal and Vaccines
6. Vaccine Ingredients: Thimerosal
7. Tiomersaali – Wikipedia
8. Thiomersal - Wikipedia